Valerii Kostiuk was recently named as an ACCA top achiever for his SBL exam in the March sitting. His score ranked in the top 20 worldwide and was the highest in Ukraine. This is a huge achievement for any student but particularly for Valerii. Since moving to the UK from Ukraine, Valerii has undergone a huge change in his working life. We caught up with him to find out more about his journey and becoming an ACCA top achiever.
What does it take to become an ACCA Top Achiever?
“When I receive an email, I didn’t take notice at the beginning. I showed it to my close friend and her immediate reaction was excitement so, I read an email again and realised it was something different which afterwards gave me a positive feeling and a little boost to stay focused and continue studying for the rest of the exams.”
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to be studying accountancy?
“I am originally from Ukraine and I came to the UK as a fruit picker several years ago. I think when you work in the fields and have breakfast, dinner, and supper with strawberries you quickly realise that studying is the key to making some positive changes in life. So, I decided to start studying AAT, completed all 4 levels, and moved to the next level of accountancy exams, ACCA.”
So why did you specifically choose to study ACCA?
“In my eyes, ACCA is one of the most recognised accountancy qualifications in the world so I decided to give it a go. Sometimes you have to run before you can walk. I am paying the price for that as I have to work slightly harder than most people as English is not my first language, but no regrets. It’s part of the journey to success. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
Do you have any study tips you can share?
“Take one day as it comes. Do your best each day and the reward will come. Sometimes you have to wait for the reward slightly longer than somebody else however continuing to move forward will get you through the finishing line.”
So, how does it feel to be named as a Top Achiever?
“Somewhere inside it feels warm however the other external factors dilute the happiness.”
Finally, what does the future have in store for you?
I will be Director of Finance in the next 3 to 5 years.”
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For more information about the ACCA please visit their website.
